What does it take to build a globally recognised brand from South Africa?
In a recent episode of the EvolvX Podcast with Gerald De Kock, Banhoek Chilli Oil co-founder Ken Kinsey-Quick joined Andrew Gold, CEO and co-founder of Ciovita, for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, consistency and growing South African businesses on the global stage.
Throughout the discussion, one theme stood above the rest: consistency. Whether it's product quality, brand messaging or simply showing up every day, Ken believes consistency is one of the most important ingredients in building a successful business.
From Fund Management to Food Entrepreneurship
Before launching Banhoek Chilli Oil, Ken spent three decades in fund management. After deciding it was time for a new challenge, he pursued a long-held ambition of becoming an entrepreneur. Banhoek Chilli Oil officially launched in March 2020—just as the world entered the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rather than letting those early challenges derail the business, Ken remained focused on the long-term vision, explaining that success often comes from persistence and continuing to knock on doors until opportunities arise.
A Simple Product with a Big Vision
One of the most interesting insights from the podcast is Banhoek Chilli Oil's strategy of focusing on one hero product.
Inspired by brands like Tabasco, Ken explains that instead of trying to offer countless products, Banhoek has concentrated on producing one exceptional chilli oil while continually improving and refining the business around it. This disciplined approach has helped the brand maintain a clear identity and consistent quality as it expands internationally.
The Story Behind Banhoek Chilli Oil
Interestingly, Banhoek Chilli Oil wasn't originally intended to become a business.
Ken shares how the journey began around family Sunday lunches after becoming frustrated with the inconsistent chilli oils served at restaurants. Together with his brother-in-law, they experimented with around 60 different combinations of oils and chillies before creating the recipe that would become Banhoek Chilli Oil Original—a recipe that remains unchanged today. What started as a family project soon grew into a garage-based venture before evolving into the internationally recognised brand it is today.
Growing Beyond South Africa
Today, Banhoek Chilli Oil is available in more than 20 countries, with ambitious plans to become the world's leading chilli oil brand by 2030.
Ken discusses the realities of expanding into international markets, from educating consumers about what chilli oil is to navigating different packaging regulations across countries. He also reflects on an unexpected moment that helped accelerate the brand's growth when Banhoek Chilli Oil appeared in the Netflix documentary *Beckham*, opening doors with international retailers and creating valuable exposure for the brand.
Building More Than a Business
Beyond products and sales, Ken also speaks about creating opportunities within the local community.
By employing people from the surrounding area and removing barriers such as unreliable transport, Banhoek has been able to build a dependable team while investing back into the community it calls home. For Ken, consistency isn't just about making a great product—it's about building a strong culture where people can succeed together.
Lessons for Every Entrepreneur
The podcast concludes with some honest reflections on entrepreneurship. Ken openly admits that if he could start again, experience would have saved significant time and money—but he also believes those "school fees" were simply part of the journey.
His advice is refreshingly practical: keep learning, adapt when necessary, don't repeat the same mistakes, and above all, stay consistent.
Whether you're building a business, growing a brand or simply looking for inspiration, this episode offers valuable insights into the mindset behind one of South Africa's fastest-growing food brands.
Watch the full EvolvX Podcast featuring Ken Kinsey-Quick and Andrew Gold on YouTube:
